This week I met so many marvelous people in the Halton region, (Ontario, Canada) putting up posters on bulletin boards, focusing more on Oakville to spread awareness of another wonderful free public event for Realize Awareness in Nations to Heal Mother Earth. People shook my hand, their eyes began to sparkle, they asked in depth questions, and some of them spontaneously got their self-realization (they achieved the yoga state, nirvana, moksha) in looking at the poster with wonder and while we talked. One employee from a coffee shop had many questions, which were very introspective.

As I explained the yoga system that unlocks our central nervous system by awakening our own energy that enlightens our entire being, A.J. exclaimed he had goosebumps suddenly. So I told him, that is the life force, the energy we have been talking about, now you have felt it, and it is showing you what I am sharing with you resonates with truth. He said, I am totally going to the program, can I bring someone? Another lady from a pharmacy wearing a lovely elephant ring, was so glad, she stretched her arm out into the air and said, spread this, spread it everywhere! It was as if she was saying go forth!

But all over Oakville, from Dundas, to Glen Abbey, to Lakeshore to Kerr Village, youths and adults alike, shook my hand, hugged me, marvelled at the wonderful animals on the poster, and were filled with a desire to experience this Yoga connection. About the poster, they said, this is so cool, I get it, this is what I have been looking for, I get it! One girl said, I was just manifesting something like this, and here it is in my store. Thank you so much, I am bringing my mom!

It is a mini universe inside that connects us to the entire planet, living beings, the universe, and it can be felt like goosebumps, a cool river or breeze inside, or a wave. While explaining the poster and the system to a cashier, another lady looked over our shoulder and was asking, may I see the poster, can I come too? Can I bring someone? The energy was and is palpable once you get your self-realization, and they were responding with such genuine interest.

It felt like that moment in the movie Tomorrow Land (with George Clooney) where the new generation picks up a curious badge that transports them to a new reality, you can really feel the vibrations coursing through your veins. A new awareness is infiltrating our society, and there are so many who have been searching for it. I did not know what to call it before, it is a type of inner journey, or truth seeking. And Sahaja Yoga meditation quenches a thirst for self knowledge.

So come and experience the positive energy, feel the music of the flute flowing through your entire being, and find out the science and health benefits of meditation and experience it while sitting in a chair or on the floor, with no hard poses. Meditate to connect to Mother Earth, everything and everyone and feel it for yourself. We can heal the planet if we realize our powerful connection to it and all it’s living beings. May the force be with all of us!

The Burlington Sound of Music Festival 2017 draws over 200,000 music fans from every corner of the globe including our neighbors to the south. It is Canada’s largest outdoor music festival, and never disappoints. There are many ways to enjoy the many bands that play along Brant street, the Burlington City Hall and three stages in Spencer Smith Park on Lakeshore Road overlooking lake Ontario. Many people liken Burlington’s Lake Ontario to a feeling of being near the ocean somehow. So just what is there to discover in Burlington beginning June 14th, 2017? Let’s begin with the hypothesis…

Destiny is in your hands, photo by Paula Erskine, Spain.

Of course, this connection is interwoven with the truth found in Canada’s original inhabitants, which were aware of its power as far back as 10,000 years or so. Before 150 years of Canada, there was a land of ancient, wise people who lived sustainably, respectfully, passing down stories and traditions and living with gratitude.

White Pine Dancers Family and Friends will perform at the Burlington Citizenship Ceremony at 1:45pm and Burlington Sound of Music Festival 2017

Sunday June 11th the White Pine Dancers perform as a group of First Nations Family and friends who share their gifts of story, dance and song at 1:45pm at the Sound of Music Festival 2017. Open your hearts and show your love for Canada’s aboriginal nations.

They have a story to tell, one that we can feel through our natural connection to mother earth. I had the privilege of capturing the images of the White Pine Dancers below from a Crawford Lake event.

The website offers music samples from the artists, not all of which I have heard of, but that never stops me from checking out their videos, doing a bit of research and going with bands that inspire me to be a fan and supporting Canadian artists.

Who can forget Burlington’s prides and joys, The Spoons, http://www.spoonsmusic.com/ from the 80’s hitting the stage at 4:30pm, and Walk Off The Earth at 7:30pm. Who of my generation doesn’t remember their songs on the radio? Go Burlington, Go!

Incidentally, Walk Off The Earth made humble passengers on a wintry flight of mine last year, so I was able to express my fanship through trolley offerings aisle-side. Their cover tune of Gotye “Somebody I used to know” seen here made headlines when actor and musician Russell Crowe tweeted about their video of the whole band playing one guitar right here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGIiYejABSQ which landed them a guest spot on TV show Ellen. Check out their cover of Adele and they have incredible original songs. Please support them and put Burlington on the map again and again! https://www.facebook.com/walkofftheearth.

Stay tuned for some more great music and good vibrations as we explore Burlington Sound of Music 2017 and I formulate my playlist for this year. The only negative thing I can say is that, there are sometimes several great acts playing at the same time, so I do make a music plan and prioritize my free concert repertoire.

Here are some great moments I captured on film in recent years at the Burlington Sound of Music Festival..

Artwork in Burlington on Brant street…above…glorious birch trees…

Sean McCann formerly of Great Big Sea, performed last year at Burlington City Hall and was oozing talent and goodness. He is a champion of his own demons.

The Sheepdogs played opening night and absolutely rocked it at the Sound of Music Festival 2014. One of the best of 100 free concerts held in Burlington, Ontario. Photo by Paula Erskine, http://www.thesheepdogs.com/

See you in Burlington, where we share borders with Hamilton via this bridge, Oakville, Milton and Halton proper. Let’s not forget our neighbors on the other side of the lake, in the good old U.S. of A. who are always welcome. And to all the tourists world-wide, plan your vacation around this Free Concert Extravaganza in Burlington. Stay tuned for more on this event this week 2017.

Don’t miss the First Annual Tribal Memories Festival and Pow Wow (only $5.00) and Free Sahaja Yoga Meditation Classes http://www.free-meditation.ca/archives/22225 ( that will help you to connect to Mother Earth, your spirit or higher self, everyone and everything…all happening in Winnipeg March, 2017, the Heart of Canada!

On Saturday March 25th, 2017, everyone, from everywhere is invited to the First Annual Tribal Memories Aboriginal Festival and Pow Wow at the Duckworth Centre, 400 Spence Street, at the University of Winnipeg, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The entrance fee is only $5.00 and you to get tickets you can call 204-615-7212, email pinefallsauction@gmail.com or at buy at the door, which opens at 5:00pm. The wonderful festival will start at 6:00pm and go to about 11:30 at night.

I had the pleasure of meeting Dakota, Marty and Cody who were inviting everyone passing through Portage Place in Winnipeg to their wonderful, powerful event. They were very warm and brotherly, and I am extending this invitation out to this Aboriginal festival, open to the public, it is a great opportunity to enjoy our oneness and connection with everyone and Mother Earth.

In addition, please join Sahaja Yoga Winnipeg for Free Meditation Classes from March 24th to March 28th, 2017 to also connect to Mother Earth through a simple, guided meditation known as “thoughtless awareness”, with no hard poses, you can sit in a chair or on the floor, and feel the connection, joy and peace.

Achieving the yoga state is a great tool for students during exam pressures, relieving anxiety, emotional balance, harmony and better health. A great way to de-stress and connect to your higher self. All ages are welcome, and it is always free, in 100 countries, world-wide.

Sahaja Yoga also celebrated their R.A.I.N. (Realize Awareness in Nations) to Heal M. E. (Mother Earth) events in Ontario, Canada, with Aboriginal Prayers and many cultural traditions of many backgrounds that are rooted in the truth and essence of our beings. We salute the light in all of you, namaste, miigwetch, thank you. http://www.free-meditation.ca/archives/20920

For a third season, Sahaja Yoga free meditation classes will be held from January to April 2017 at rotating locations offered for free for this non-profit class offerings to the public of Winnipeg at large. We sit in a chair or the floor, and there are no hard poses, we learn how to connect to our higher self, and go on a journey to find out who we are at the core of our being and experiencing the Yoga state. The next 2 sessions will be as follows:

Tuesday January 31st on the third floor (no elevator as it is a heritage building) at the Dragon Arts Collective 0n 91 Albert street from 2-3pm, 3-4pm, 4-5pm drop in and feel free to stay for more than one session as we go deeper into the knowledge of a meditation technique known as “thoughtless awareness”. Drop in, no registration required!

After that, sessions are on: Wednesday February 1st at St. Boniface Library, 100-131 Provencher Blvd., 2nd floor (yes there is an elevator) in the Salle Marie-Lynne Bernard room. The times are 4-5pm, 5-6pm, 6-7pm, 7-8pm. Again, no need to register, just show up, and be prepared to enjoy inner peace, get connected by experiencing the true meaning of yoga, which means ~connection. More dates will be announced on a month to month basis at least until April and rotating local libraries and venues offering free space.

Inner peace and pure joy are two of the many health benefits you will receive as a free gift from the all pervading power of the universe. Everyone is welcome to these guided meditation sessions with plenty of short clips, Q & A, going deeper sessions, clearing the chakras (energy centres) and more. Learn the benefits of foot soaking and connecting to mother earth. (photo by Paula Erskine)

What?- He will perform Free Public Programs on May 19th at 7pm in Oakville and in the GTA on May 27th, in addition to many high schools to spread Inner Peace, Oneness. Also will perform in the GTA on May 27th, North York

-Shulin Zhang, a local teen, and dynamic volunteer for a non-profit group, promotes inner peace in schools and is also part of R.A.I.N. to heal M.E.

-May is Mental Health Awareness Month, many schools have already benefited from participating in the inner peace workshops, gaining tools to deal with stress and depression, with many appreciation letters, thank you letters and testimonials.

How? Yoann FreeJay studied Musical Therapy and his music can touch the heart and soul, and help people of all ages, especially youth.

Where and When? Poster at top of page Thursday May 19th, 7-9pm, Regional Municipality of Halton Auditorium, 1151 Bronte road, Oakville

Friday May 27th, 7-9pm, North York Centre, Council Chamber 5100 Yonge st. Toronto, and many high schools to spread inner peace.

Yoann is supporting our team’s initiative for 2016 that is dedicated to Earth, People, Spirituality:

Yoann Freejay is promoting this initiative that was born in Burlington, Ontario, Canada — and that is led further by selected Global Youth Leader 2016 —Shulin Zhang (18 years old, gr 12 student in Oakville)

My experience as a citizen reporter for Winnipeg’s Community News Commons has been one of mutual respect and professionalism in journalism. I want to thank Noah the editor for recognizing that Winnipeg’s population may be interested in Free meditation classes offered at local libraries. His edits are actually in tune with the material presented, and I really appreciate this opportunity to express my gratitude for having published two of my articles towards helping seekers of truth, better mental health, yoga enthusiasts, and the need for everyone on this planet to connect and heal with their higher self, each other and mother earth. Thank you for recognizing that local solutions can have global impact on neighboring brothers and sisters and change the quality of our lives, for the better. Please read below an informative article on the real meaning of the word Yoga and the impact this newly-felt inner peace is having on the community of Winnipeg. Free classes as being offered in February for the second month in a row, but this time, at the St. Boniface Library.

CNC is an online news hub authored by you, your friends and neighbours, sharing stories to make our world a better place. By creating CNC, The Winnipeg Foundation believes a more informed and engaged community is a more caring and giving community, building the capacity needed for stronger, healthier neighbourhoods.

“I look forward to it all week, I am so excited and feel this amazing connection!” one more person exclaimed.

These are just a few reactions to the most recent Winnipeg Free Meditation classes held in January at Millennium Library.

Beginning Feb. 8, these sessions will be held for the second consecutive month with added daytime classes at a new location – St. Boniface Library, 100-131 Provencher Blvd, on the second floor, Salle Marie-Lynn Bernard (room).

Many attendees confirm enthusiastically each class builds upon that new sense of being connected to their higher self, as well as feeling a deeper sense of purpose. The casual observer can witness curious participants and deep seekers transform from class to class, and after just three sessions, are beaming.

“It is both relaxing, and energizing,” one man said in describing this new-found awareness as a source of joy and peace.

Between the two thoughts generated by the past and future is a space that can be widened in the present, known as “thoughtless awareness.” This inner sense of satisfaction transforms a person’s perspective and improves one’s health on every level.

Sessions are great for beginners or for those seeking inner peace and tools to deal with every day stress. Classes require no special clothes or exercises or previous experience. One can sit in a chair or on the floor if they prefer.

Included in the class is a guided meditation that is easy to follow – gentle chakra (energy centres within our subtle system) cleansing workshops, helping attendees gain their self-realization, the Sanskrit definition of the word Yoga, which means union or connection.

Once one has achieved and established a connection with one’s higher self, a new vibratory awareness reveals very simply the state of a person’s energy centres and how someone can correct them on their own, becoming a more balanced and more joyful person.

There is a belief one should not pay for this state of yoga because it is everyone’s birthright to access and to gain this new, pure knowledge of the higher self. Climbing the Himalayas is not necessary to receive enlightenment in these modern times, due to this unique discovery.

This is the second year of this meditation marathon that has attracted interest of seekers of truth from all walks of life.

In last month’s sessions, attendees enjoyed a guided meditation and learned about the wonderful qualities inside every human being. Several attendees felt sensations in their hands, indicating they achieved the yoga state in just one session. The questions were insightful and specific. The genuine smiles were priceless.

It is clear many people recognize there is more to life than materialistic pursuits; such as, learning how to balance emotions and incorporate techniques to heal depression and anxiety.

In an effort to cover more material and explore this new-found peace, a total of nine sessions are slated for February 2016 which include several daytime and evening classes.

Three daytime classes will be held on Feb. 8, with two more daytime sessions to be offered free to the public on Feb. 24.

Evening classes are Feb. 10 starting at 7:15 p.m., as well as on Feb. 22 with three classes starting from 5:30 p.m., one hour each.

Participants are invited to join as many classes as they like, with new presentations and short clips to watch for each session. There is no limit to how many classes one can attend; in fact, people are encouraged to take advantage and stay for more than one.

Drop in guests can join in anytime for even more meditation. There is always a brief review for newcomers. One is never early or late, as the invitation is to pop in anytime and slip into a chair.

Attendees’ hands are kept open on their laps to enjoy this refreshing new dimension that can be felt from within, and can enhance happiness and reinforce a joy of life. Removing one’s shoes, if comfortable doing so, is a simple way to connect to Mother Earth and feel more relaxed. Many great tips have been shared so far, with more to come.

Indeed, anyone can learn to use this power within to become more detached from problems and stresses, and more in tune with the joy of their spirit. It is believed a person can evolve their personality only when they are in the present, and have achieved self-realization.

It is a spontaneous, living process, by which one can experiment, like a scientist, and find out what is the truth of one’s being. It can be felt as it rises along the central nervous system as a “cool river” or “cool breeze” that has been described in many traditions throughout history.

A by-product of this new awakened energy inside is improved physical, mental, emotional and spiritual healing. The idea of separation is a myth, because all humans are connected to everyone and everything.

Paula Erskine is a Winnipeg Free Meditation Instructor and flight attendant, enjoying her crew rest teaching meditation in Winnipeg in between her flight travels down south. She received her self-realization more than eight years ago and has a pure desire to spread this joyful state to others.

Thank you Phyllis for being part of the Raising Awareness In Nations to heal Mother Earth initiative that is a wonderful, Burlington based initiative based on the teachings of Sahaja Yoga which is very in harmony with Indigenous teachings and that of the true messengers that appeared throughout history. Your awe inspiring talk was extremely beautiful, relevant, positive, empowered, you matter, everyone on this earth matters, you have a deep understanding and compassion and message of transformation through connecting with your spirit, through self-respect, respect for others, and living in harmony with mother earth and it’s peoples. You are a highly respected member of the Sahaja Yoga community. The collective attention of the entire room was enjoying the vibrations of what you spoke which was well researched and from your heart and soul. You are glowing with the light of the spirit, may the force be with you. Namaste. I salute the light in you.

We all are enjoying the oddly warm winter we are having this year. Although it feels like a blessing we need to be award of the effects it is having on other parts of the world as well as our home cities.

I must admit that I am rather fond of this weather but this is very damaging to our future sustainability. R.A.I.N to heal M.E (realize awareness in nations to heal mother earth) is a grassroots initiative to come together as ALL nations to look at ways to bring awareness and make changes to heal our planet. I have been deeply involved in the free 12 month programs across Ontario to come up with solutions, and to meditate collectively to bring awareness within each and everyone of us. http://www.free-meditation.ca

This proposal was created by the Sahaja Yogini’s of the Halton region. These volunteers have committed there time, talent and…